Tuff Turf

West Michigan Bug Control: Goodbye Bugs! The Time Is Now….

September 13th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: September 9, 2024 – September 13, 2024

While we were out in the field this week spraying for bugs like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, spiders, and ants, we noticed that the beautiful September weather has been as enjoyable for the bugs as it has been for us. As the temperatures start to cool, bug activity will decrease. But not because they are leaving your yard, but because they’re camping out preparing for next season. Now is the time to get rid of those bugs while we can still control their activity! With the current forecast, we still have a few more visits scheduled before the season ends. We plan to finish up our bug control and lawn care services by the end of October. However, for our pest control customers, rest assured that service continues year-round (weather permitting). Enjoy these last few weeks of warm weather, as the transition to fall approaches, and soon the lush green colors will give way to vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red!

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A Grand Rapids Michigan Lawn Care company based in Byron Center, Michigan. Tuff Turf offers a variety of services (ranging from Lawn Care, Pest Control and Bug Control) to the following cities in Michigan:

Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Lawn Care: Core Aeration

September 5th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: September 3, 2024 – September 6, 2024

We begin core aeration service around this time of year and highly recommend home owners to perform this routine maintenance for the following reasons:

Relieves Soil Compaction
Compacted soil limits root growth by restricting air, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots. Core aeration loosens the soil, improving root development and allowing roots to penetrate deeper into the ground, leading to a more stable and resilient lawn.
Enhances Water, Air, and Nutrient Absorption
Aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing water, nutrients, and fertilizers to reach the root zone more effectively. This ensures that grass has better access to essential nutrients, improving overall health and promoting greener, stronger growth.
Promotes Deeper Root Growth
By reducing compaction and allowing easier movement of nutrients and water into the soil, aeration promotes the development of a deeper and more extensive root system. Stronger roots help grass survive stressful conditions like drought, extreme heat, and heavy foot traffic.
Reduces Thatch Buildup
Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and organic matter that can build up between the grass and soil, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Aeration breaks up and accelerates the decomposition of this thatch, promoting better lawn health and reducing the risk of disease.
Improves Oxygen Flow to Roots
Grass roots require oxygen to grow and function properly. Aeration allows oxygen to penetrate the soil more easily, enhancing root respiration and helping grass to thrive. Increased oxygen flow also improves microbial activity, which breaks down organic matter in the soil and improves nutrient cycling.
Encourages Thicker, Healthier Grass
With improved water, nutrient, and oxygen flow, grass becomes healthier and denser. A thicker lawn can outcompete weeds, making the lawn more resistant to invasive species and reducing the need for herbicides or other treatments.
Increases Resistance to Pests and Disease
Healthier, well-nourished grass is more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Aeration helps grass grow stronger and thicker, making it less susceptible to issues like fungal infections, insect damage, and lawn diseases.
Reduces Water Runoff and Erosion
Aeration allows water to penetrate the soil more effectively, reducing water runoff, puddling, and erosion. This improves water conservation, reduces waste, and ensures the lawn retains moisture for longer periods, especially during dry seasons.

Contact Tuff Turf today if you would like our help!

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Mole Control: Tips and Best Pratices

August 30th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: August 26, 2024 – August 30, 2024

Controlling moles in your yard or garden can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to reduce their activity.

Here are some tips:

1. Identify the Problem

Look for raised ridges, tunnels, and mounds of dirt (molehills). Moles are insectivores, so their presence indicates a healthy lawn with plenty of earth worms.

2. Traps and Bait

Using a variety of both of these methods will help get rid of the current moles that are in your yard.

3. Natural Repellents

Adding a repellent around the perimeter of your property will help train moles over the long-term that they need to find their food source elsewhere.

4. Consult a Professional

If mole activity persists despite your efforts, consider hiring a pest control professional to address the problem. Tuff Turf Molebusters is here to help with both advice and service.

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Bug Control: How To Maintain A Bug Free Yard

August 23rd, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: August 19, 2024 – August 23, 2024

Our yards are most enjoyable when we aren’t swatting away mosquitoes, checking our pets for fleas and ticks, or watching ants build an empire of dirt piles.

Tuff Turf’s Insect Busters service helps mitigate all of this things from happening.

Here is our trick to effectively doing bug control:

1. Apply product every 21 – 28 days

According to the product label, re-application is advised within this time frame, so we follow it precisely in order to prevent gaps in between visits.

2. Mist your grass, bushes, and trees

Applying the product to the right areas ensures these specific bugs will be controlled effectively.

3. Stay consistent

If you stop applying product every 21 – 28 days, bug activity will begin to increase exponentially, especially as we progress throughout Summer.

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Lawn Care: This Is Why Mowing Habits Matter

August 16th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: August 12, 2024 – August 16, 2024

We found some great examples this week regarding why it’s so important to cut your grass at the right height. It’s one of the most important factors with achieving a lush green weed free yard.

Proper mowing techniques are essential for maintaining healthy grass, as they can significantly impact the overall health and appearance of your lawn. Here’s a deeper dive into key mowing practices:

1. Mow at the Right Height

Keep your grass longer to promote deep roots and prevent weeds. For most lawns, this means mowing to a height of 3 to 4 inches for our cool-season grasses.

2. Mow Regularly and with Sharp Blades

Mow frequently enough to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, and keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts to reduce stress and disease.

3. Alternate Patterns and Mulch Clippings

Change your mowing direction each time to prevent soil compaction and leave grass clippings on the lawn to naturally fertilize and retain moisture.

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Mole Control: How To Maintain A Mole Free Yard

August 7th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: August 5, 2024 – August 9, 2024

There are several effective methods to eliminate moles and prevent their return. While it’s true that no method can guarantee moles won’t come back, our mole control program focuses on the top three strategies to address current mole activity and deter future infestations.

Traps: Our primary method for removing existing moles. Scissor, choker, and no-mole traps are among the most efficient quick-kill options available.

Bait: Used as a supplementary measure to traps, bait enhances the effectiveness of our primary method. Although it’s difficult to track the exact number of moles killed by bait, it provides an additional line of defense for moles that evade the traps.

Repellent: Essential for mole prevention, repellent deters new moles by introducing odors that moles dislike. Since moles are attracted to earthworms, which are beneficial for the grass, it’s not advisable to eliminate the worms. Instead, applying repellent around the property’s perimeter discourages moles from entering the yard. This method requires ongoing maintenance for long-term effectiveness.

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Bug Control: Mosquitoes, Fleas and Ticks

August 2nd, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: July 29, 2024 – August 2, 2024

Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are often found near water and trees because these environments provide ideal conditions for their survival, reproduction, and feeding. Here’s a breakdown of why each of these environments is attractive to these insects:

1. Mosquitoes

Water Sources: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water because the larvae are aquatic. Still or slow-moving water, such as ponds, marshes, swamps, and containers of standing water, provides a perfect habitat for the immature stages of mosquitoes to develop.
Shade and Humidity: Trees and vegetation provide shade, which helps maintain the moisture and humidity levels that mosquitoes need. They also provide resting places for adult mosquitoes during the day, as these insects are generally more active at dawn and dusk.

2. Fleas

Animal Hosts: Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are often found in areas where their hosts are present. Many wild animals, such as rodents, can be found near water sources or in wooded areas, providing a steady food source for fleas.
Humidity and Temperature: Fleas thrive in warm and humid environments, which can often be found near bodies of water and shaded, vegetated areas. These conditions are also conducive to the development of flea eggs and larvae, which are sensitive to desiccation.

3. Ticks

Moisture and Shelter: Ticks require a certain level of humidity to survive and are commonly found in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. They seek out moisture-rich environments to prevent desiccation.
Hosts: Like fleas, ticks are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Areas near water and trees often attract these animals, providing ticks with ample opportunities to find hosts.
Questing Behavior: Ticks often use a behavior called “questing,” where they climb onto vegetation and wait with outstretched legs to latch onto a passing host. Trees and other vegetation provide the necessary platforms for this behavior.

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Lawn Care: Crabgrass In Summer

July 26th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: July 22, 2024 – July 26, 2024

Crabgrass is a common weed that many people struggle with in their lawns. Here’s a simple breakdown of what it is, how it grows, and how to control it.

What is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is an annual weed that grows quickly and can take over your lawn if not managed. It thrives in warm weather and sunny spots.

How Does Crabgrass Grow?

Spring: Crabgrass seeds start to germinate when the soil warms up in spring.
Summer: It grows fast, spreading out and competing with your regular grass.
Late Summer: It produces a lot of seeds, which will grow into new plants next year.
Winter: The plants die with the first frost, but the seeds remain in the soil.

How to Control Crabgrass

Maintain a Healthy Lawn:
- Mow Regularly: Keep your grass at the right height to shade the soil and prevent crabgrass seeds from sprouting.
- Water Properly: Deep, infrequent watering helps your lawn grow strong roots, which can outcompete crabgrass.
- Fertilize: Feed your lawn the right nutrients to keep it healthy and dense.
Remove Crabgrass:
- Hand Pulling: For small patches, pull out the crabgrass by hand before it sets seeds.
- Mowing: Regular mowing can help control it by preventing it from spreading.
Use Herbicides:
- Pre-emergent Herbicides: Apply these in early spring before crabgrass seeds germinate. They prevent seeds from sprouting.
- Post-emergent Herbicides: If crabgrass is already growing, use these to kill the plants.

Prevention Tips

Choose the Right Grass Seed: Use a high-quality seed mix suitable for your region.
Mulch: In garden beds, mulch can help prevent crabgrass by blocking light to the soil, which stops seeds from sprouting.

By keeping your lawn healthy and using these control methods, you can effectively manage and prevent crabgrass from taking over your yard.

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

West Michigan Pest Control: The Most Effective Mole Control Method

July 19th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

In The Field: July 15, 2024 – July 19, 2024

Traps are THE MOST effective mole control method because they provide immediate and direct removal, ensuring quick and visual results. Strategically placed in active tunnels, traps target moles precisely, minimizing risks to non-target animals and avoiding harmful chemicals. By understanding the predictable behavior of moles, traps offer a reliable and long-term solution, making them a preferred choice for homeowners and gardeners. Traps are a key component of our mole control service, distinguishing us from many other companies that rely solely on bait. We use bait as a supplementary method to our traps. Additionally, we apply repellent around the property to minimize new mole activity while we focus on eliminating the current moles that have taken ownership of your yard.

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Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Kentwood, Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven, Rockford, Cascade, Kalamazoo

Jamestown Canyon virus detected in Kent County mosquitos

July 17th, 2024 by Tuff Turf Molebusters

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) detected a dangerous mosquito-borne illness (Jamestown Canyon virus) in part of Kent County following a survey of the mosquito population.

The discovery, which is not a human case, was made during ongoing surveillance and testing conducted by the KCHD near Grand Rapids and Walker. It’s not a human case of the virus, but it can still spread to humans. This warning reminds people to stay alert around mosquitoes, especially if they bite them.

“Fortunately, the measures that people can take to protect themselves from other mosquito borne illnesses will work against the Jamestown Canyon virus,” said Brendan Earl, Supervising Sanitarian at KCHD. “With the increase in mosquito activity this time of year, it is good to practice simple and proven steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water, making it a breeding ground. Flooding and heavy rain in West Michigan early Monday will only create more opportunities for mosquitos to grow.

“Their larval lifestyle requires them to be in water,” Earl said. “If you dump them out, we always call it tip and toss, you’ll get rid of entire generations of mosquitos.”

Jamestown Canyon virus is spread to people by infected mosquitoes from April to September. Vaccines cannot prevent the virus, and no medications can treat it. The best way to protect yourself from the virus is to avoid mosquito bites.

While the symptoms of the Jamestown Canyon virus include headache, fever, and fatigue, severe cases of meningitis or encephalitis are extremely rare. This should provide significant reassurance to you and your family.

Prevent mosquito-borne illnesses by taking the following precautions:

Spray insect repellent with 10–35% DEET.
Wear long sleeves and pants with light colors.
Stay indoors during dusk to reduce your risk of being bitten
Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard

For more information, read the Kent County Health Department’s press release. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and how to protect yourself.